Justice in Action: What History Teaches Us About What Matters Now

As we close out our observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday this month and move into Black History Month, I’ve been reflecting on history and the ways in which injustices echo across time.  

The systems we are confronting today are not new. At Avenues for Justice (AFJ), we work with Black and Brown Court-Involved and Preventive (At-Risk) young people who are navigating real choices, real consequences, and systems which too often respond to trauma with punishment rather than support or preventive measures. The criminal legal system evolved through slavery, Jim Crow, the War on Drugs, and decades of policy decisions that have disproportionately targeted certain communities. While laws and language have shifted, the skewed impact of these systems remains a daily reality for the young people and families we serve.

“For me, fair and just [systems] means everyone has equal opportunities, resources are distributed equitably, and decisions are made transparently and inclusively.” ~AFJ Participant Jaylin J.

Systemic Practices Take Different Forms, but Serve the Same Patterns

These patterns show up clearly when we look at education and knowledge itself. Black people were once legally forbidden to read in this country, punished for seeking literacy, and denied access to education as a means of control.

Today, we are witnessing renewed efforts to restrict the teaching of Black history by banning books and rolling back the progress made in helping communities understand the full story of this nation, along with the contributions of “systemically marginalized” people within it. This is all part of a longer continuum that also includes criminalization and incarceration which has shaped the conditions our communities are navigating today.

In his song, Buffalo Soldier, Bob Marley sang: "If you know your history, / Then you would know where you're coming from / Then you wouldn't have to ask me / Who the heck do I think I am". Our young people deserve to know their history.

‍This is the context in which Avenues for Justice does its work: not in theory, but in lived experience of Black and Brown young people and their families.

Last year, Avenues for Justice served 691 young people across every New York City Council district.  It was the highest in-person engagement in our 46-year history. It reflects the reality that as communities face increased pressure from over-policing, economic instability, and shrinking public resources the need for intervention, advocacy, and prevention grows.

As we move through 2026, our theme is Justice in Action.

Justice must be practiced daily through relationships, advocacy, enrichment services, and systems changes. It is strengthened when we interrupt cycles of criminalization by: 1) investing in leadership building skills; and 2) providing access, resources and opportunity to education and jobs for NYC’s young residents who need to have a real chance at reaching their goals.

At a time when funding is pulling back from communities most impacted by harm, the stakes could not be higher. Disinvestment does not create safety.  It creates more trauma, more instability, and deeper inequity. Strong communities are built through community partnership, shared values, and sustained commitment in social change.

“Supporting criminal justice reform is essential to creating fairer systems and stronger communities. We believe these efforts help more people find stability, safety, and opportunity.” ~AFJ Anchor Funder, the Michael and Dana Springer Charitable Fund

Avenues for Justice exists because we believe that what affects the future of one young person affects us all. We believe in neighborhoods rooted in resources and opportunities. We believe in a justice system that does not define a young person by their worst moments or the neighborhood that they come from.

Justice in Action requires community engagement — donors, partners, advocates, ambassadors and funders who believe in a future where everyone has access to safety, dignity, and possibility. I invite you to be part of that work with us this year. Will you support the AFJ Movement?

In partnership,

Elizabeth (Liz) Frederick

Executive Director